The First Moving Load Simulator for Testing Bridges in Canada and its Application on a Full Scale Precast Box Girder
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Authors
Brennan, Dustin
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
cyclic , moving load , pulsating load , fatigue , truck load , simulator
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis describes the development of a unique Moving Load Simulator (MLS) for testing bridge superstructure with a footprint up to 4x17 m, and its first application to test a full scale B900 prestressed concrete box girder. The aim of the experiment was to verify that the MLS can apply cyclic loading in a controlled laboratory environment, under realistic highway scale 'rolling wheel loads', determined through code procedures as well as through finite element analysis of a real bridge. The MLS has two half-axles of a large tandem, each comprising a dual air-inflated tires spaced at either 1.2 or 2.4 m. Each half-axle can apply up to 125 kN, representing the heaviest half-axle load of the CL-625 design truck of CHBDC. The maximum travel range and speed are 14.9 m and 6 ms, respectively. A bridge design of eight adjacent B900 girders of 27.6 m span was used as a case study. Load distribution analyses were conducted using both; a finite element model of the full bridge under various CL-625 truck loading configurations and the CHBDC load distribution method, and both agreed well. Load scaling analysis of the girder share was then conducted to account for shortening it to 16 m, resulting in two-115 kN MLS design loads, 1.2 m apart. This verifies that the MLS is indeed capable of applying full scale highway loads in a laboratory environment, which is novel. Multiple passes were conducted at various loads of 40-100% of design load and at speeds of 1-5 ms to examine the machine and girder behaviours. It was found that load fluctuates by less than 10% of full capacity and a 0.13 sec/cycle time lag occurs. The measured girder deflection and elastic strains were 11-20% lower than predicted theoretically. The estimated time to complete 3M cycles in approximately 4.5 months. With this machine now verified, future tests will involve fatigue tests for months at a time.
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CC0 1.0 Universal
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.